The Trump administration has ordered all directly employed staff of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) to go on administrative leave starting Friday, February 7, while personnel stationed abroad will be recalled to the United States, Reuters reports.
Impact on USAID Operations
USAID, which employs over 10,000 people, operates in more than 60 countries worldwide. While some essential staff will continue working, the agency’s website was taken offline on Sunday, reflecting a major operational shift.
The State Department has coordinated a 30-day evacuation plan for USAID personnel working overseas, with exceptions considered on a case-by-case basis.
Trump Targets CIA Restructuring
The move comes as part of broader administrative changes, including efforts to reshape the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). On Tuesday, the CIA offered severance packages to employees, aligning its workforce with Trump’s national security priorities.
“Director John Ratcliffe is taking swift action to ensure the CIA’s workforce reflects the national security priorities of the administration,” a CIA spokesperson stated.
